Peppermint Shrimp Deaths

[jwill]

For the past several months I have been in a constant battle with the nuisance anemone Aiptasia. To help me combat these Aiptasia I have introduced several peppermint shrimp to my tank. My problem lies in keeping these shrimp alive. All of my levels are at zero (NH3/NH4+, N02, N03) and my corals are growing out of control. I cannot for the life of me figure out what is happening. Any ideas are greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance for your responces.

 

[mushroomss]

any other fish or inverts in the system?

 

[fish2]

try a couple berghia nudibranchs

 

[rappa]

I have always had a hard time keeping them alive. Same as you, everything else is great! I have had 2 fireshrimp for 3 years now. I have killed at least 4 Peppermints... No clue why?

 

[jwill]

Yes I have one other Clown fish who believes he owns everything above the rocks.

 

[noah's nemo]

Hmmmmm...

I'm sorry to hear your deaths..I put 2 Peppermints in my 75 for the same reason about 2 months ago.They devoured them all in a weeks time.Now they pick at everything and anything else i put in.They are really fun to watch too.From what i understand triggers will make a quick meal of them

(if you have one,i'd look to him)...If not, then i 'm not sure

 

[jwill]

Lol no, no triggers for me yet. This tank is a 20g reef tank. I introduced 2 on thursday, only to look today and find one tucked away in a corner dead. The other is under one of my rocks loving life. I am just concerned that his life has a timer on it and I want to do everything I can to extend it.

 

[jwill]

Originally Posted by fish2
http:///forum/post/2522089
try a couple berghia nudibranchs
Lol. I had forgot about these little guys.

Anybody have any idea where I can find them?

I noticed saltwaterish.com doesn't carry them.

 

[fish2]

pm sent

 

[jwill]

Thanks for the pm but does anyone localy have any that they would be willing to part with. Im in south eastern NC.

 

[candycane]

Actual Wurdemanni shrimp have a difficult time adjusting to alkalinity differences from a store tank to a home tank. That is if the tank they are going in to is a slight difference. One way that I have noticed that might help, it adding the new additions the same day a water change is done. The higher alkalinity levels seem to "de-stress" the shrimp.
PS: Read up on Berghias before you get them. Please.

 

[bang guy]

What is your Salinity? It should be at least 35ppt for Peppermint Shrimp.
Do you dose Iodine? Excess Iodine shortens their lifespan a LOT.

 

[cabin7882]

I was having the same problem!! tons of aiptasia and an't keep peppermint shrimp alive!! ahhh. So I said

[hr]
it I'm gonna try again! So I bought 1 a few weeks ago and low and behold he is still alive!! I really think it had something to do with how long u drip them! So I bought 2 more and a hairy red legged crab which are possible aiptasia eaters also...and they are all still here it's been about 3 days for them. I was wondering if I'd ever be able to keep shrimp! I would just try again and salt should be .23-.24! U ould have just gotton a sik or injured one from the start! Good luck! and nudibranhes are like $20 a peice!